Have iPads replaced conversation at the dinner table? What do infants observe when their parents are on their smartphones? Should you be your child's Facebook friend? These are all questions that are asked in the world today, questions which adults (also known as digital immigrants) would not be asking themselves a generation ago. Everyday life is undergoing a massive transformation and the digital world is here to stay. Renowned clinical psychologist Catherine Steiner-Adair explains that families are in crisis around this issue, and even more so than they realize. Her latest book, The Big Disconnect identifies the current reality of our lives, family and relationships as we are focused on the glow of the screen. This excellent read reminds us that it is time to look with fresh eyes and an open mind at the disconnection we are experiencing from our extreme device dependence. It's never too late to put down the iPad and come to the dinner table. Looking for a great holiday read over the break? Start reading now and join us in February during Internet Awareness Week for a book review of this excellent read. Books can be ordered on amazon (available for your Kindle and Audible version as well) or found at books stores in Dubai.

We teach our children to look both ways before they cross the road in order not to be hit by a car and not to touch a hot stove as they could be burned; however, are we able to teach the importance of positive boundaries with technology when the rules have not been learned while growing up as adults? Using technology is a given in society today; knowing how to use it properly requires learning. As adults and digital immigrants new to the world of technology, it can be challenging to teach our children, digital natives, who are born into the world of technology. Using a computer, tablet, smartphone or gaming device are important aspects of reality for students today, yet knowing how to use them correctly is something that adults continue to learn. A Platform for Good and The Family Online Institute have created user friendly and concise contracts for you and your child when using technology. The expectations of the contract highlight the advantages of using the device and outline the frequent use time to encourage a healthy, positive integration of technology. Most importantly, the contract acknowledges the parent's responsibility indicating that as a parent, you will not overreact, you will learn new things along the way and be equally responsible by setting a good example. Overall, this contract connects the "digital native" to the "digital immigrant" and consequently enhances the parent child relationship. Take a look at the examples below. If you plan to purchase a device as a gift over the holidays, include the contracts. Contracts and additional information can be downloaded from the Platform for Good website. It is a great resource promoting online safely and parental education when working with your child and technology.

Technology continues to change and shape teaching methodologies and the way students learn. Remembering and recalling facts is no longer the predominant method of learning as most adults or “digital immigrants” have experienced during their schooling experience. Instead, learning for “digital natives” takes place in an integrated way where technology continues to be a part of their daily lives. With the recent integration of “Bring Your Own Educational Device” (BYOED) in your child’s daily learning environment, it may be normal for you to ask, “How is my child learning when he/she is always using their mobile device at home and school?” It is helpful to continue to understand how this learning is transferred, especially when bridging the generational, technological gap. This morning during GWAPA’s coffee morning, Tony Potts and Kimberly Leiske introduced The Transformation of Technology in order to help focus and better understand learning experiences in the world today. By referring to Dr. Puentadura’s SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) model of learning, parents were able to better understand the importance of various teaching methodologies used in today’s learning environments.

To keep up to date with recent articles, research and Digital Citizenship findings, subscribe to the Facebook Digital Citizenship page here.

Stay tuned for upcoming presentations in January/ February as teachers continue to raise awareness on the importance of bridging the gap between “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” through Digital Citizenship.